Woolymama: Transforming Wool Into Wearable Art
U.P. ARTIST CREATES COUTURE DRESSES WITH NUNO WOOL
Nuno wool techniques produce unique textures and colors in each hand made piece. (photo by Erica McMillan)
Marquette, MI – No longer a vision of awkward knitted sweaters from your grandparents time, wool is making a comeback in new and wonderful ways. Combining modern fibers and techniques people are redesigning wool products into sustainable wearable clothing from head to toe. Tucked away within the forests of our own U.P. a local designer resides; drawing inspiration from the nature around her and utilizing the versatility of wool to create one-of-a-kind couture fashions.
Libby Buchler, on the Shady Grove Farm where she raises Shetland, Cormo, and Merino sheep to produce wool for her designs. (photo by Nathan Meadows)
On the Shady Grove Farm just outside of Marquette, Libby Buchler and her family are living the homesteading life. Raising organic food and livestock they maintain a sustainable existence utilizing everything possible from farm to fork and fashion.
In 2008 Libby began felting hats as a way to make use of the abundance of wool from their sheep. By 2010 she had discovered a new passion and moved into garments generating a burst of interest in her creative hand-crafted pieces. This inspired her to get serious about her art and WoolyMama was born. A decision that would add another dimension to their farming and homestead lifestyle.
This felted hat and nuno wool vest reflect some of the natural colors from the farm where Libby gains inspiration. (photo by Erica McMillan)
Since then, Libby has become well-known for her artistry in working with wool, literally molding it into fresh designs that capture the raw spirit of nature while remaining soft and feminine. Once acquiring a WoolyMama dress, it will become the go to in your closet when you want to feel beautiful.
A sustainable and functional fiber, wool allows for great diversity which is perfect for our northern climate. Says Libby, ” It has the ability to be light, airy and breathable, or dense.” This makes her clothing cool in the summer with a pair of sandals and still fabulous and warm in the colder seasons layered with leggings and boots.
These nuno wool designs are extremely versatile as unique feature pieces that layer well with other clothing in your wardrobe. (photo by Erica McMillan)
Very durable and long-lasting, wool is also naturally bacteria and soil resistant so it doesn’t need to be washed very often (bonus!) All cleaning needs can be done easily at home. Spot washing is recommended for 100% wool items like hats. Nuno felted garments can be hand washed, rolled up in a towel to squeeze out excess water, and laid flat or hung to dry. ( no dry-cleaning, yay!)
“Nuno” is a Japanese word meaning cloth and the process of nuno felting bonds together several layers of loose weave cloth such as wool, silk, and cotton, as used in WoolyMama designs. The layers are rolled, kneaded, and pressed together building unique color and texture designs into the finished fabric.
The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The result is lighter weight than traditional wool felt and creates a rich versatile fabric from which fashionable and exciting clothing can be made.
Each one of Libby’s pieces are one of a kind hand-made pieces. (photo by Erica McMillan)
For Libby, creating the garments is a very organic process and she often doesn’t have a particular design in mind when she begins. “I will know I am making a dress for example, but have no idea what direction the process will flow. In the end, it becomes what it becomes!” says Libby.
Often she receives her inspiration directly from customer requests and the challenges they offer in designing a new product. Says Libby, “Sometimes I can’t sleep because something new is brewing in my head and I won’t rest until I’ve thought through the idea and have it sketched.”
Other strong influencers are the plants and weeds growing on their land. “I want to see what colors I can obtain locally and naturally. By eco dyeing with these plants successfully I’ve been able to move away from using chemical dyes, in turn becoming more environmentally friendly.” says Libby.
Libby is excited to add bridal dresses to her repetoire of designs. (photo by Erica McMillan)
In the future we hope to see Libby realizing her long-term goal for WoolyMama, to grow production to a point of harmonious balance between customer demand and the supply of their small family farm, allowing her to continue maintaining the integrity and quality of her products.
From start to finish WoolyMama is breathing the beauty of nature into each beautifully hand-crafted and wearable piece of art. Living proof that sustainability and fashion don’t have to exist vacant of one another.
Woolymama welcomes custom orders! (photo by Erica McMillan)
Want to know where you can find WoolyMama?
* This December 21st you can meet Libby and see her WoolyMama bridal designs at the 2014 Ever After Bridal Expo at the Superior Dome in Marquette.
*Keep up with Libby’s new designs, events, and activities on the WoolyMama facebook page
*WoolyMama couture is available all year round direct from Shady Grove Farm
*Farmer’s Market in downtown Marquette every Saturday from May – Oct.
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